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The first time that I saw Alanis Morissette perform live in concert was back in 1995. I can remember at that time being quite taken by the drummer behind her. An electrical fan sat beside the drumkit, blowing his blonde locks around like crazy as he played. This man, Taylor Hawkins, had an energy and a passion about him that I was drawn to. A crush was born immediately. I can remember watching the Jagged Little Pill Tour video over and over again. That funny, talented drummer was just so adorable.

I couldn’t have imagined then that thirteen years later, I would be watching Taylor play with one of the most dynamic rock bands of my time.

Fast forward to last night’s Foo Fighters concert at the Pacific Coliseum. I’ve been a fan of these boys from the beginning, despite not ever having seen them play live. Their hilariously artistic videos, quirky personalities and sweet sounds have been rocking my world for years. I certainly had some high hopes for the evening. Let me start by saying that if you were not a Foo fan going into the show, you sure as hell are now. It completely blew my expectations out of the water. To say that live is where their songs become more than mere “hits,” would be an understatement. The show was, in a word: incredible.

Dave Grohl is absolutely brilliant. He went from drummer in what is considered one of the most influential bands in history, to guitarist and creative force behind a phenomenally successful power group. Grohl has done a masterful job for himself and his quaint four piece outfit. Their impassioned live performances make the Foo Fighters one of the most amazing acts on today’s music scene. It is clear that Dave Grohl leads his band with passion, holding nothing back, pulling out all the stops, giving all there is to give, pick your show biz cliche. The disarming goofiness that Grohl exhibits in interviews and on stage banter sessions belies his passion as a musician. A ceaseless dervish of energy on stage, he led his mates through each song with ferocity and commitment last night. The standing ovation that seemed to go on forever part way through the show quite literally sent shivers down my spine.

It was a perfect show and a perfect night. Plus, Taylor is still total babe. In the words of the lovely Keira-Anne, “I want to hump that man 12 ways to Sunday.”

I decided that sitting in a lonely apartment all night would do me no good in the state that I was in. So instead, I opted to join a group of ladies who were planning to attend an art show being held at Chapel Arts. Located in the downtown east side of Vancouver at 304 Dunlevy, Chapel Arts is one of the city’s most unique galleries/venues. A former chapel and funeral home in the Art Deco style, it has been transformed into an exquisite space for events. The elegant interior boasts grand parlours, galleries and a main room featuring a performance stage.

The show that we went to last night is called NUDE: a collaborative look at the figurative process. It was the opening night of the exhibit, which runs through until the end of April. A friend of a friend was actually one of the models who posed for a painting featured in the show. Being that she hadn’t seen the painting of herself yet, it was quite exciting for her to see the finished product for the first time. There were so many incredible creations on display. We wandered around and examined the pieces, looking closely at what materials were used to create each masterpiece.

I have talked at length on this blog about my own issues with body image and the struggle to feel content, or even comfortable with my body. There is a great power in being uninhibited enough to shed your clothes and allow yourself to be painted, or photographed. I was reminded last night that every woman’s body is different and beautiful in its own way. It was refreshing to see these paintings of real women-flaws and all. To see full breasts, dimpling and puckered flesh represented in this way is a departure from the photoshopped images that I am used to being bombarded with every time I open a magazine.

I always enjoy attending events like this, mostly because I find them inspiring. I also usually dig the crowd. Everyone seems quirky and interesting. If there’s one thing that I’ve realized about myself, it’s that I love the quirky ones the most. Shando and I have resolved to make it a point to attend more culturally rich events and participate in creative activities on a regular basis. Last week, we rounded up the troops and checked out the Interior Design Show. Up next? Who knows. I think one of the most important contributors to success and happiness is the ability to see qualities in others that make you feel good and make you want to do better, work hard and have the courage to try new things. Where do you find inspiration? That’s the best part… it’s everywhere! The question is, are you open to being inspired? Being open to inspiration is an attitude that you take on when you start your day. This an approach that I am consciously trying to apply to my life. Inspiration is everywhere when you take the time to look.

Shando e-mailed this photo to me at work yesterday and I love it. Rilo Kiley has some damn good style. Jenny Lewis may just be the cutest little thing ever. It’s true, our desks are merely across the office from one another, but Shando and I tend to e-mail, buzz and visit one another several times throughout the workday when we’re both in the building. Working with one of your best friends is pretty fantastic. When I’m feeling low, totally grumpy, completely unproductive or when ADD kicks into high gear, I can always count on Shando to make me smile, give me a jump start in the motivation department or just distract me for a little while from the mundane tasks that await.

I’ve been feeling emotional today-not only am I under the weather with a head cold that will just not beat it, I got some news last night about a close relative who is not well. It’s shaken me up, to say the least. This evening I downloaded a ton of Rilo Kiley, noshed on take out sushi for one, drank several pots of tea and I am now contemplating joining Shando and company for an art show in a few hours. I should go. I really should.

As I gear up for my next selling season, I know that the month of April is going to be absolutely insane. At least this time around, I know what to expect (for the most part). Oddly, I have a sense of peace and clarity surrounding me. It’s a feeling I’m not sure I’ve ever felt in my life. I’m excited about the changes I’ve made toward living the life I’ve always dreamed of living. What I know now is how important it is to be the most “you” that you can be. I discovered that it’s essential to let people leave their mark on you, even if it scars. As I go through life, I find myself more and more attracted to people who believe that anything is possible, because it is…I like the upside down, open minded, sideways looking people…the ones who draw clouds on windows. I have collected a lovely group of these types of people in my life. These are the people who inspire me. Some things will never make sense. I spent far too long looking for perfection, only to realize that all I really need is just a little bit of balance.

How does a brand continue to serve its most passionate core customers and still expand into new markets? It seems to be quite a challenge in today’s competitive marketplace; however, it looks like Quiksilver may have found an answer. The company has launched a new 20-something women’s clothing line that is all about lifestyle but not directly linked to what has been perceived as the brand’s main reason for being- surfing. The collection will be designed for the edgy, independent young woman whose creative approach to fashion appears effortless. Having had a sneak peak at the Fall 08 Collection a few months ago, I can tell you that the clothes are absolutely beautiful. Roxy is all grown up and she’s got some serious style.

As part of the introduction of this new line, Quiksilver has chosen six independent and creative young women to be Visionaries in residence at Quiksilver’s siteLA, a communal work and exhibition space in Los Angeles, California. The program is a year-long engagement for women working in and across creative cultural fields. Like the Quik sponsored athletes, their personal passions echo the Quiksilver spirit: progressive, creative and confident. Although they have been selected for their independent projects, they share a workspace and spend time creating public programs and hosting special events. These women will benefit from Quiksilver’s vast network of resources and will have access to tangible and promotional assistance, as well as mentors who will help them pursue their passions and expose their personal projects. Instead of waves, these babes are riding the currents of art and activism to make creative changes to their communities.

A lucky few will be able to catch a glimpse of the collection next week at the fashion show being held in Vancouver as part of BC Fashion Week. Stay tuned. More details to come.

To get a feel for the vibe of this amazing new line, please check out this video courtesy of YouTube:

There is too much to write about and too much in my head. It’s kept me from writing anything at all for the last few days. Sometimes it’s hard to get it down and out. I told my best friend that I am happier than I have been in a long time and it’s true, though I’m not exactly sure why…it might just be the feeling of really living. “It’s all happening!”

There are these phosphorescent eyes that I keep looking into. Is that the right word to use? Phosphorescent? I think so- the light wavelengths and all that. I can see right through them and they scare me. They make me feel comfortable, and weak, and smart, and heard. I’m enjoying that, for once. Something is missing (or just misplaced) but I am happy. I can’t wait for a slow month to let my life catch up again. The slow months are fewer and father between now. In these busy times, it becomes more and more important for me to take care of myself and keep myself grounded.

Some of the best suggestions come from fellow bloggers, I tell you. Keira and Phaedra have made what sounds like a phenomenal discovery: Radha Yoga and Eatery on Main Street. I followed the link from Keira’s entry and was delighted to read that they even have classes that combine yoga and writing, to which you bring your journal along. That sounds like absolute perfection to me. I can’t wait to check it out.